Press releases in other years

The number of counterfeit banknotes fell last year

13 Mar 2017

A total of 2,132 counterfeit and altered Czech banknotes and coins were seized in the Czech Republic in 2016, a decrease of 251 compared to 2015. Their value exceeded CZK 2.2 million. The 1,000 Kč and 500 Kč notes have long been the most counterfeited denominations.

As in previous years, the majority of the counterfeit banknotes seized last year were printed on inkjet printers (1,380 pieces). A total of 712 counterfeit banknotes were made using colour toner copiers. Using a five-point security scale, the seized banknotes were most frequently given a grade 4, i.e. poor. On such counterfeits, protective elements are usually not imitated, or the imitations are only simple.

“The vast majority of counterfeits last year were again made using less advanced techniques. To detect them, all the general public needs to do is check the basic protective elements in three simple steps: by rubbing the note between their fingers, by holding it against the light and by tipping it against the light,” said Board Member Vojtěch Benda.

As usual, the most counterfeits of Czech banknotes were seized in Prague (841), followed by Pardubice (270) and Ústí nad Labem (184).

A total of 1,514 counterfeit and altered foreign banknotes and coins were seized in the Czech Republic in 2016, a decrease of 1,404 compared to 2015. Their value converted according to the exchange rate list as of 31 December 2016 was almost CZK 3.210 million.

Markéta Fišerová
CNB Communications Division

Counterfeit and altered banknotes and coins seized in 2016 in the Czech Republic